Best foods for 12 month old baby: 12 Healthy and Practical Foods for 1-Year-Olds

12 Healthy and Practical Foods for 1-Year-Olds

Your 1-year-old is changing, growing, and discovering at a whirlwind pace. Making sure they’re getting the foods they need may be a concern.

Inconsistent food choices and a fickle appetite are par for the course at this age. As frustrating as it might be, this is entirely normal as your toddler establishes independence and learns to discern their body’s fullness and hunger cues.

By the time they reach 12 months, toddlers need about 1,000 calories, 700 mg of calcium, 600 IU of vitamin D, and 7 mg of iron each day to support proper growth, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (1).

With so much going on, you might be wondering how to best feed your 1-year-old without spending all day in the kitchen or chasing after them.

Here are 12 healthy and practical foods for 1-year-olds.

Around this time your 1-year-old starts to develop their pincer grasp, which involves pinching and maneuvering food with their fingertips, as they endeavor to self-feed. This is a great time to introduce finger-friendly foods.

Softer, fresh fruits are wonderful options for this transitional time and beyond. They not only deliver needed nutrients and a host of beneficial plant chemicals but also help cement healthy eating habits (2).

Slice bananas, clementines, strawberries, peaches, or mango, and slowly introduce them to your child. Avoid large pieces of fruit, as they may pose a choking hazard. Cut grapes into halves or quarters and never feed these to your child whole.

If your child doesn’t immediately take to the new fruit, don’t stress. In fact, studies show a child typically needs to be exposed to a new food 6–15 times before accepting it into their diet (3).

Soft fresh fruits can also be easily made into a smoothie or make an excellent snack when you’re on the go.

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, make sure your child eats any cut-up fruit within 2 hours after being out of the fridge. If you’re outside and it’s over 90°F (32°C), that time shrinks to within 1 hour (4).

Summary

Soft, bite-sized bits of fruit are excellent choices, especially as your child experiments with self-feeding. Be sure they eat any cut-up fruit that’s been out of the fridge within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if you’re in hot temperatures.

As your child may be slowly weaning off breast milk or formula, it’s a good time to introduce cow’s milk.

Milk and yogurt are great sources of protein and bone-building calcium, which also benefits their developing teeth. One glass (244 ml) of whole milk offers 39% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium that your 1-year-old needs each day, as well as 8 grams of protein (5).

While you may continue to offer breast milk until 2 years of age or longer, whole fat dairy milk or yogurt may also be introduced at mealtimes or as a snack. Yogurt can be topped with diced fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.

Honey can be introduced now at this age, but be sure to never feed it to a child under 12 months of age. Doing so can put them at risk of botulism, a serious infection (6).

Though dairy is generally safe at this age, be sure to watch for signs of a casein allergy.

Casein is a protein in milk. It’s different from lactose, which is a sugar found in milk that many adults don’t digest well (7).

A casein allergy manifests in about 2–3% of children under the age of 3, although more than 80% outgrow it. It seems to be most prevalent in children who were introduced to cow’s milk in infancy when breastfeeding was not an option (7, 8).

Be sure to introduce new foods, including milk and dairy products, to your child slowly. In fact, it’s a good idea to do so one food at a time and wait 3–5 days between the introduction of another new food to see how their body reacts (7).

Symptoms of casein allergy include wheezing, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your child experiences these or other reactions when you are introducing them to a new food, stop feeding them this food and speak to their healthcare provider (7, 9).

Also, consult your child’s pediatrician before giving them plant-based milk alternatives, as these are generally not recommended for toddlers due to their lack of essential nutrients for growth.

Summary

Whole milk and yogurt are great options as your child weans off formula or breast milk. These provide protein and support bone growth. You can offer them at mealtimes or as snacks.

Little ones won’t master the jaw-grinding motion, which helps with proper chewing, until they’re about 4 years old. In the meantime, their food must be mashed or cut up into small, easy-to-chew pieces (10).

Oatmeal is a wonderful option as your child makes this transition into chewing. It’s easy to swallow and boasts an impressive nutritional profile with a hearty heap of protein, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats (11).

What’s more, oats provide ample amounts of fiber, which helps keep their digestive tracts healthy and regular (12).

While premixed packages are tempting, opt for your own homemade blend when possible to limit their intake of added sugar. If you’re strapped for time, consider making overnight oats by simply soaking them in the fridge overnight.

Mixing your oats with milk instead of water will also pack a bit more nutrients into your child’s bowl. Serve these topped with diced strawberries, bananas, or your child’s favorite raw fruit.

Summary

Oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse and offers an easy-to-swallow texture, which is helpful as your child develops the skills for proper chewing. Opt for homemade oatmeal over packets to limit added sugar, or try overnight oats.

Pancakes are popular among kids, and whole grains are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Thus, whole grain pancakes are a natural solution to what to serve your 1-year-old (13).

Whole grain pancakes deliver gut-friendly prebiotics, which help feed beneficial gut bacteria. They’re also finger-friendly when cut into bite-sized pieces (14).

Whip these up or buy a mix with 100% whole grains. After sizzling them on a skillet or griddle, top them with freshly sliced soft fruits, applesauce, or a drizzle of honey.

You can even smear a very thin layer of creamy nut butter to add extra protein. Although, given that tree nuts are a common allergen, be sure to introduce this food into their diet slowly.

Summary

Whole grain pancakes are a practical and healthy choice for your 1-year-old. Whip up your own mix or buy a premade 100% whole grain mix. Top them with your child’s favorite soft fruit, a thin layer of nut butter, or a drizzle of honey.

Eggs are a powerhouse food for kids and adults alike.

They support eye health and proper brain development, and they’re rich in protein, healthy fats, and a host of other nutrients (15, 16, 17, 18).

Scramble them or serve them hard-boiled and peeled. Be sure to cut either of these into bite-sized pieces, especially as your toddler endeavors to self-feed.

Note that eggs are among the eight most common allergy-causing foods for children. Most children outgrow the allergy, but it’s important to watch for symptoms, which can include hives, nasal congestion, digestive issues, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Eggs can but rarely cause anaphylaxis, a severe life threatening reaction that can constrict airways or cause lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. Speak with a pediatrician if you are concerned about an egg allergy (19).

Summary

Eggs are excellent for toddlers and adults alike. They’re particularly supportive of eye health and proper brain development. Plus, they boast an impressive nutritional profile and can be part of a healthy meal or snack.

Tofu is a great source of iron, calcium, and protein — with firm tofu boasting the greatest concentrations (20).

A 2-ounce (56-gram) portion of firm tofu provides almost 1 mg of iron, or nearly 14% of the DV for your child. The same serving also provides 12% of their daily calcium needs (20).

Served sweet or savory, tofu is wonderfully versatile. Silken tofu can be blended into smoothies or mashed into bananas, avocado, or cottage cheese. Its flavor is neutral, so all this will do is provide some hearty nutrition.

Toss cubed firm tofu into soups, or stir-fry it with your favorite gentle seasonings. You can also break firm tofu up with your hands and scramble it with your favorite soft vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

If your child has a diagnosed soy allergy, you want to avoid tofu. If this allergy runs in your family, you should speak with your pediatrician.

Summary

Tofu, whether silken or firm, is packed with iron, calcium, and protein. It is wonderfully versatile and can accompany sweet or savory dishes. Add silken tofu to smoothies or scramble firm tofu with soft veggies.

Soft bits of chicken or ground turkey can be great ways to incorporate more protein into your child’s diet. This nutrient is needed for proper growth (21).

Begin by feeding them puréed chicken, turkey, or soft cuts of meat. Poach the protein first, then add milk, broth, or yogurt to soften this mix in the blender or food processor. As they get more comfortable with self-feeding, sauté ground meat or cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.

Avoid any tough or stringy cuts of meat, as these might be too difficult for your child to chew or swallow. Also, steer clear of spicy or strong seasonings, which might upset their gentle stomachs.

Summary

Softer cuts of meat like chicken or turkey can be a fountain of protein for your growing tot. Feed them puréed poached meats. As they get better at chewing, sauté ground or small bite-sized pieces. Avoid strong flavors.

Avocados are a fantastic food to feed your 1-year-old. Their creamy texture is especially helpful during this transitional period, while their impressive nutritional profile supports your child’s growth (22).

What’s more, 30–40% of your toddler’s calories should come from fat, according to the American Heart Association (23).

Avocados are packed with healthy fats, which benefit your child’s brain and heart. Half a cup (75 grams) of diced, raw avocado provides nearly 9 grams of healthy unsaturated fats (24).

Cube or mash them and smear them on whole grain toast or a cracker. Experiment with blending avocado with other soft-textured fruits and vegetables, such as cooked butternut squash or sweet potato.

Summary

Avocados pack healthy fats and fiber while providing an ideal transitional texture for your toddler. Cube or mash them or blend them with other favorite fruits and veggies.

As your tyke weans off breast milk or formula, they need to hydrate. Water is an optimal choice. Fill up their sippy cups and replenish as often as they need.

Your 1-year-old should be getting at least one 8-ounce glass (237 ml) of water a day. They may need more if they’re active, ill, or in hot temperatures. Also, they will need more as they get older (25).

When in doubt, check their diapers — they should be urinating at least every 6 hours.

Summary

Water should be provided as your tyke weans off breast milk or formula. At this age, they should get at least 1 cup (237 ml) each day.

Steaming vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, and carrots, is an excellent way to introduce your child to this important food group.

Broccoli, carrots, and peas pack fiber and vitamin C. What’s more, carrots contain lutein, which supports eye health, while peas pack muscle-building proteins (26, 27, 28).

Venture out with other veggies, including steamed parsnips, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash, too. Serve these with a lemony yogurt dip or hummus.

You’ll want to hold off on serving any of these raw, as they’re still too tough to chew.

Summary

Steaming veggies softens them to an ideal texture for your growing tot. Broccoli, carrots, and peas are great choices, but feel free to venture out.

Half a cup (130 grams) of mashed beans provides nearly 39% of the DV for iron for your child (29).

Mashed beans — whether they’re black, kidney, or white beans — are a rich source of iron, which your child needs to keep their blood cells healthy (30).

Serving these alongside a food high in vitamin C, such as broccoli, diced tomatoes, or mashed sweet potatoes, will help them absorb iron much more efficiently (31).

This iron and vitamin C combo is especially important if your toddler doesn’t eat meat, as the body absorbs heme iron from animal sources more efficiently than nonheme iron from plant sources (31, 32).

Summary

Mashed beans boast impressive nutrients, including iron. This is especially important for your child’s health and helps keep their blood cells healthy. Eat beans with vitamin-C-rich foods to help boost iron absorption.

Hummus blends chickpeas and sesame butter, which pair to provide a bounty of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals (33).

Spread hummus on some whole grain crackers or serve it alongside your child’s favorite protein source, a piece of cheese, or steamed veggie.

There are great store-bought options, but if you’re feeling inspired, this is an easy one to whip up. Simply combine a bit of garlic, sesame butter (tahini), chickpeas, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.

Still, keep in mind that sesame seeds, which are used to make sesame butter, are among the top 10 most common food allergens, accounting for 17% of food allergies in children. Only 20–30% of affected kids outgrow it (34).

For this reason, be sure to introduce this and other sesame-containing foods to your child in very small amounts and watch for common reactions like hives and vomiting (34).

Summary

Hummus is a great food to introduce at this age, as it provides a bounty of protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients.

A lot is going on with your 1-year-old. They’re experimenting with feeding themselves, learning to sense hunger and fullness, and asserting their independence, among several other developmental milestones.

As you navigate this period of growth and change, there are many practical and healthy food choices, including fresh, soft fruits, steamed veggies, tofu, and eggs.

The key points are selecting foods that are easy-to-chew, soft, and highly nutritious.

It’s a good idea to introduce new foods in small amounts and one at a time. With each new food, watch for adverse reactions, and stop feeding them this food if you observe signs of intolerance or allergy.

However, if you suspect it’s simply a matter of taste, or if your child doesn’t immediately take to these or other new foods, keep trying. It might take 6–15 exposures to a new food for your child to accept it into their diet.

Don’t stress if their appetite is fickle or their food choices vary like the wind — this is all part of their process.

Baby Meal Plan: 12 Month Old

• Most of your toddler’s calories and nutrition should now be from solid foods

• Cow’s milk or soy milk can be introduced at this age

• Family meals encourage healthy eating and trying new foods

Your baby has made their way into toddlerhood and is starting to master the ability to eat solid foods. By their first birthday, formula and breastmilk should be reducing while solid foods will start providing most of your little one’s calories and nutrition.1,2 Expect your toddler to be eating 3 balanced meals with 2-3 healthy snacks each day.Between ages 1 to 2 years, toddlers have a great need for fat (which includes DHA), protein, and other nutrients such as iron, calcium, and choline to support their development.

For more information on nutrient needs of your young toddler, check out: Nutrient Needs and Feeding Tips for 6 to 12 Month Olds

Need some ideas for healthy snacks? Healthy Snacks for Babies and Toddlers

Transition to cow’s milk

Formula fed babies are encouraged to transition to whole milk or unsweetened soy milk at the one-year mark, while breastfed babies can continue to drink breast milk. If you’re making the switch to milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 16 ounces with a maximum of 24 ounces (2 to 3 cups) of whole milk daily,4 and breastfeeding moms can continue to breastfeed as long as mom and baby desire.5,6

Learn more: What Type of Milk Should My Toddler Drink?

The below 12-month-old toddler meal plan provides snack and recipe ideas to help you provide your little one with nutritious choices that will continue to influence their taste development and food preferences.

Pro tips on healthy family meals

By 12 months, your baby will be eating more and more of the foods you are. So eating as a family may become easier! In fact, making time for family meals is an important way to encourage healthy eating and appropriate mealtime behavior.7 Babies and children who are part of regular family meals are often more willing to try new foods.8

Keep in mind that even at this age, slight adjustments may be needed in the texture and size of certain foods to help prevent choking.9

Read more: Family Meals: Developing healthy Eating Patterns

If you have questions on how to prevent picky eating, reach out to our team of registered dietitians for free! They’re here to help on our free, live chat from Monday through Friday, from 8am–6pm ET, and Saturday and Sunday, from 8am–2pm ET. Chat now!

For more information on picky eating, please visit our  Picky Eating Hub.

Breakfast

• Option 1: Whole Grain Pumpkin Waffle Dippers with nut butter and 100% fruit spread

• Option 2: Unsweetened yogurt with sliced berries and granola

• Option 3: Oatmeal topped with diced cinnamon apples

• Option 4: Easy Cheesy Egg Roll-Ups

• Option 5: Banana pancakes (combine 1 ripe banana, 1 egg and 2 tbsp. whole wheat flour. Cook 3 minutes on each side over medium heat)

Lunch

• Option 1: Quesadilla made with whole-wheat tortillas, cheddar cheese and cubed avocado

• Option 2: Shredded or diced chicken or turkey with black beans and corn

• Option 3: Hard boiled egg, cubed butternut squash, sliced grapes

• Option 4: Whole grain pita “pizza” topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, spinach and broccoli

• Option 5: Easy-Peasy 5 Veggie Pasta for Baby

Dinner

• Option 1: Baby’s First Bolognese

• Option 2: Baked Seasoned Chicken Tenders & Sweet Potatoes

• Option 3: Baked fish “fingers” with roasted carrots and quinoa

• Option 4: Cheeseburger (ground beef, chicken or turkey), cut up in pieces on a whole grain roll and soft roasted zucchini

• Option 5: Fork mashed salmon and soft cooked cauliflower

Snacks

• Option 1: Baked Seasoned Tofu

• Option 2: Hummus with steamed or soft cooked veggies

• Option 3: Banana & Yogurt Muffins

• Option 4: Diced, ripe fruit

• Option 5: Shredded or cubed cheese

Let’s Chat!

We know parenting often means sleepless nights, stressful days, and countless questions and confusion, and we want to support you in your feeding journey and beyond. Our Happy Baby Experts are a team of lactation consultants and registered dietitians certified in infant and maternal nutrition – and they’re all moms, too, which means they’ve been there and seen that. They’re here to help on our free, live chat platform Mon-Fri 8am-6pm (ET), and Sat-Sun 8am-2pm (ET). Chat Now! 

Read more about the experts that help write our content! 

For more on this topic, check out the following articles and recipes:

Strategies for creating a healthy kitchen

High quality dietary fats good for you and baby

Why folate matters for babies, tots and mama

Why do omega 3s matter for babies, tots and mama

Healthy snacks for babies and toddlers

The Division of Responsibility: Helping Avoid Picky Eating

Why does choline matter for babies, tots and mama

Family meals: Developing healthy eating patterns

Nutrition needs and feeding tips for 6 to 12 month olds   

Our meal plans offer recipe and meal suggestions for your child. They are not designed to replace your doctor’s recommendations, nor do they take into account special nutritional needs, including allergies and intolerances. The meal plans suggest serving sizes that may or may not be appropriate for your child. Please consult your doctor to determine what is best for your child.

The Best Foods for Babies 10 to 12 Months – Happiest Baby

The 10- to 12-month age range is a time of incredible growth for babies. You’ll look down one day, and suddenly your sweet baby might begin to look more like a toddler. And with all the changes happening from trying to walk and talk to showing a natural, vibrant curiosity for the world around them, you’ll also notice that their food preferences will mature a bit too. 

The beauty of finger foods for babies between 10 and 12 months is that not only will your baby enjoy nutritious foods, but they will also be getting a dexterity workout too. Using their fingers and hands to pick up and feed themselves is an excellent way to practice hand-to-eye coordination and work on that vital pincher and grasping reflex.  

If you’re interested in moving away from purees and venturing into finger foods, then check out this list of snacks and meals that are perfect for your budding toddler. The best part? Most of these can be made ahead to cut down on time in the kitchen.  

Breakfast Foods for Babies

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it’s also a pretty big contender for the most fun. Here are five great, nutrient-packed, finger-friendly breakfasts that your little one will love. 

Overnight Oats

Fill a small jar with one part dry oats, one part breastmilk or formula, and sprinkle in some cut-up fruit, like blueberries or raspberries and a touch of pure maple syrup. Mix it up and leave it in the fridge overnight. This one is great for your baby to practice scooping with their fingers, although it is messy. 

Whole Wheat Waffles

You can buy frozen waffles or make your own and freeze them ahead of time. Make sure to look for whole wheat, and pair your waffles with fresh fruit instead of sugary syrups. Try a dollop of whipped cream (or even better: yogurt) for some added fun, and always make sure to cut up fruit to manageable sizes. 

Hard-Boiled Eggs and Toast Soldiers

Toast soldiers are a fun way to let your baby play with food. Simply toast a piece of bread and cut it into strips for dipping into the egg. Toast soldiers are great for gripping and self-feeding, especially for teething babies. Make sure that your child can handle eating toast before trying this one out. 

Cheese and Veggie Frittata

Frittatas are a lovely way to combine eggs and vegetables for your little one. Not only are they super healthy and delicious, but they’re also easy to pick up and eat. Experiment with fillings such as kale, spinach, pasteurized feta or Swiss, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and chives. Always be sure to chop vegetables up into manageable sizes for your baby.   

Morning Smoothie

Smoothies are a fun way to get in vitamins and protein, and there are endless ways to make them. Here are a few popular combinations that your baby might like:

• Banana, peanut butter, and breastmilk or formula

• Strawberries, banana, mango, full-fat yogurt, and breastmilk or formula

• Avocado, spinach, banana, and full-fat yogurt

• Blueberry, banana, full-fat yogurt, and breastmilk or formula

Lunch Foods for Babies

If your baby is bored with bland, mashed foods for lunch, then try a few of these fun, well-balanced lunch ideas that you can easily make ahead. 

Broccoli and Cauliflower Coins

Steam and mash broccoli and cauliflower, add an egg, some almond flour, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix ingredients together and use a one-inch melon-baller to drop balls onto a cookie sheet, flatten with a wet fork, and bake at 350 until golden brown. These veggie coins are soft, full of nutrients, and fun to dip into ketchup or applesauce. 

Beef and Barley

Make a batch of beef and barley stew and toss in peas, carrots, and other veggies. Try chopping the finished stew into a chunkier version of puree before serving with toast soldiers. Your baby can scoop with their fingers or practice using a spoon. 

Baby Charcuterie Plate

Using your baby’s favorite plate (or a muffin tin!), place bite-sized cubed cheese, crackers, cut-up fruit and veggies, and pieces of cereal for a fun way to eat a balanced meal.

Macaroni and Cheese

Upgrade the old kid food stand-by with chopped veggies like peas, carrots, sweet potato, and corn kernels.

Cottage Cheese and Dippers

Serve cottage cheese in a bowl with a small plate of dippers like toast soldiers, crackers, cut-up pieces of fruit, and soft vegetables like baked sweet potato sticks.  

Dinner Foods for Babies

By 10 to 12 months, you might already be serving your baby the same food that your family eats, albeit chopped, mashed, or cut up. Serving your baby the same foods you eat is ideal because it helps your baby develop a taste for healthy foods. If you’re looking for dinner ideas that your baby might love, check out these five options. 

Pasta Bowls

Pasta bowls are perfect because you can add almost anything to your pasta and call it a meal. Look for small pasta shapes like alphabet letters or elbows that your baby can pick up. Here are a few additions to try:

• Chopped, steamed spinach and ricotta

• Red sauce with chopped spinach

• Cooked carrots, peas, and corn kernels garnish with Parmesan cheese

• Chopped chicken, veggies, and shredded cheese

Rice Bowls

Like pasta bowls, rice bowls are also a great way to add various healthy tidbits for your baby. Simply choose a protein, a vegetable, or two, and offer some flavor options like low-sodium soy sauce or even unsweetened apple sauce. 

Beef and Lentil Stew

Good old-fashioned beef and lentil soup with lots of vegetables is a perfectly balanced meal that you can make ahead and freeze in small amounts. Your baby can use their fingers to pick up pieces of food or practice using a spoon. 

Mash

Mash some sweet potato or potato and mix in some small pieces of cooked veggies for a fun, healthy dinner. Try adding carrots, peas, spinach, kale, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, beets, and more. 

Fish and Chips

Fish is a wonderfully healthy option for your baby, and it is so easy to eat with those sweet little fingers. Try roasting white fish with a splash of lemon and steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Remember, small and soft, bite-sized pieces are your baby’s friend. 

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what can be given, what fruits and vegetables, how to feed a 7-month-old baby on breast or artificial feeding

Healthy nutrition allows the baby to grow and develop properly. Despite the fact that breast milk remains the basis of the diet, complementary foods also become important for the child. Acquaintance with new products should be carried out carefully, starting with a small amount, monitoring the reaction and getting used to changes in nutrition. What can you eat at 7 months? The list is replenished with fruits and vegetables, cereals and mashed meats, and you can drink children’s tea or water.

Content: Hide

1. Acquaintance with new products
2. Features of the introduction of new products in the menu of new products
3. Approximate diet in 7 months
4. In what form to give products
5. The diet of the baby at 7 months
6. Important recommendation

Getting to know new products

You need to start feeding your baby gradually, moving from simple to complex. At first, it is better to use one-component products – vegetable purees or cereals. Fruits should be introduced after them, as a pleasant addition to the main course. Over time, you can add new ingredients, increase portions and make the consistency thicker, with pieces of fruit or vegetables. At the same time, the feeding scheme for each baby is individual.

Features of the introduction of new products in the menu

Pay close attention to the signals your child gives you. He is probably already full if:

• turns away from the spoon and closes his mouth;
• is easily distracted by extraneous factors;
• pushes and tries to throw food away;
• starts to eat much more slowly.

It is normal if the amount of food varies from feeding to feeding. However, if the child becomes restless, an intestinal disorder or a rash appears, then complementary foods should be discontinued and wait until all symptoms disappear, and then offer another product. Bad experiences should also be reported to the pediatrician.

Approximate diet

The child should have a clear daily routine, this also applies to the organization of nutrition. As a rule, children eat five times a day. An example menu might look like this.

First meal. Occurs at 6 a.m. and consists of mother’s milk or special formula if the baby is formula-fed. Doctors usually recommend that you breastfeed your baby for as long as possible, if possible, and add supplemental foods gradually.

Second meal. At 10 am it’s time for the children’s breakfast. The basis for it is porridge. Also, a child at 7 months old can eat boiled chicken yolk – this is a source of vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus. During breakfast, you can offer your baby a new product. The child is already hungry enough to try it, and mom will have time to monitor the reaction throughout the day.

Third meal. Lunch usually starts at 2 pm – this is the most satisfying meal, followed by a walk. If in the morning you did not give the baby unfamiliar foods, then you can introduce something new into the diet. For lunch, vegetable and / or meat puree, porridge with a vegetable component are suitable, if the child did not receive porridge in the morning.

Fourth meal. At 6 pm, afternoon tea time. Unfamiliar products should not be present here. The main task of this meal is to replenish the energy spent in the morning and on a walk. Bebi milk porridges contain natural fruit additives and biscuits. The dish is balanced in terms of the composition of nutrients (fats, proteins, carbohydrates) and gives strength for an active evening.

Fifth meal. At 10 pm, the regimen is completed with mother’s milk or IV formula. Feeding something else is not worth it in order to exclude overeating, as well as the possible consequences of getting to know new products.

Read also: Complementary foods and dishes

How to give food

The list of what a child can eat at 7 months is already quite wide, compared with crumbs up to six months. Preparing a dish for a baby is not difficult at all. If you decide to feed your child mashed vegetables, then they need to be peeled, boiled and chopped in a blender. Fruit puree is even easier: they don’t need to be boiled, although some can be baked beforehand. Particularly hard foods can first be passed through a meat grinder, and then use a blender. Soft fruits are easy enough to grate. If you are giving egg yolk, boil the eggs for at least 15 minutes.

Why is self-catering not always appropriate? Pediatricians recommend using cereals, mashed potatoes and other industrial products when organizing the nutrition of a child at 7 months. Such complementary foods are produced taking into account strict hygienic requirements, have the necessary degree of grinding and a verified composition, including vitamins, and, if necessary, are enriched with minerals, pre- and probiotics, omega-3 and other biologically active components.

Baby’s diet at 7 months

Porridge. At the age of 7 months, porridge is already a familiar product in the baby’s diet. During this period, the volume of complementary foods per day is 150 g. Dairy cereals or fruit and cereals, dessert (for an afternoon snack), vegetable and probiotic-enriched porridges of industrial production are selected.

Vegetable puree. First foods must have soft dietary fiber. Zucchini, pumpkin, broccoli or cauliflower will do. Later, you can add carrots, beets, potatoes. Legumes are recommended to be introduced after 8 months as they can contribute to gas and bloating. Puree for a child should not contain salt or spices. You need to feed the baby gradually, starting with one teaspoon and gradually increasing the portion. For 7 months, the average volume is about 150 g.

Meat puree. If the child is prone to allergic skin reactions to complementary foods, then a rabbit or turkey is a good place to start. If you are allergic to milk proteins, beef and veal should be excluded. With iron deficiency, rabbit meat is recommended – it contains a lot of this substance. Meat puree should be combined with vegetable puree and given at lunchtime. In this combination, iron is well absorbed. In the first days, you can dilute the puree with vegetable broth or breast milk – a familiar taste will help speed up adaptation to new products.

Fruit puree. It is introduced after the child has become acquainted with cereals, vegetables and meat. For the first time, apple or pear puree is suitable – they are easier to digest. Apricots, bananas, plums and berries are medium allergenic foods, so the baby is introduced to them later. Melon, strawberries and citrus fruits can be given at the age of about one year. If you choose ready-made products, then pay attention to the composition: it is better if the puree does not contain sugar, starch and other additional components.

Baby biscuits. It can be given as a treat. Ordinary sweets are not suitable for a child at this age, as well as bread or crackers, to which he can reach. You need to choose specialized products designed specifically for babies. They are introduced into the diet in the same way as other types of complementary foods, given in the morning and monitoring the reaction.

Drinks

A 7-month-old baby should only drink water and baby tea. As for regular tea, WHO does not recommend its consumption by infants and young children. This is due to the fact that such a drink contains tannins, as well as other compounds that bind iron and other minerals, which reduces their bioavailability.

Experts also recommend delaying juices. So, in the “Program for optimizing the feeding of children in the first year of life in the Russian Federation”, the following is said about the drink: “Given their insignificant nutritional value, it is advisable to prescribe only after the introduction of all the main types of complementary foods. In addition, the use of juices, especially between meals, increases the risk of tooth decay. A large volume of juices (above the recommended amount) can serve as a risk factor for overweight in the future.

Important tip

A well-balanced diet can help ensure your child has a healthy diet and the nutrients they need to grow and develop. If your baby suffers from allergies or has other health problems, be sure to consult a pediatrician: he will tell you exactly which foods can be included in the diet and which are not worth it.

When a child refuses to eat

WHO notes the importance of repeated exposure of children to new foods during the period of complementary feeding in order to develop a healthy positive food system. There is an assumption that the baby should try a new food 8-10 times (at least), and for a clear positive perception of it – 12-15. In any case, parents are advised to offer a new product to the baby many times, since the food that the child initially refuses is often accepted by him later.

how to choose the right baby food and what is the best?

The ideal “baby food” for an infant is breast milk. However, not all mothers can breastfeed their baby, usually this is due to the health of the mother or child. It happens that the woman herself has a serious condition after childbirth and in the early postoperative period, reduced lactation or diseases in which breastfeeding is contraindicated. In such cases, the baby is given formula milk – this is the only alternative to mother’s milk. Subsequently, at four to seven months, complementary foods should be introduced into the child’s diet, regardless of whether he is breastfed or artificial. The mother is faced with the task of choosing the right baby food for complementary foods.

In this article, we will talk about what foods for babies are and how to choose the best baby food.

Legislation defines “baby food” as food products that meet the physiological needs of a child under 14 years of age. And nutrition for young children is food intended for children from birth to three years[1]. It is necessary to make a diet taking into account the age of the baby and the characteristics of his physical condition.

The Union of Pediatricians of Russia created the National Program for feeding children in the first year of life and the National Program for optimizing the nutrition of children from one to three years old [2]. They describe recommendations regarding what formula to feed the baby from birth, how to introduce complementary foods and expand the baby’s diet. These programs provide detailed information on what nutrients and nutrients should be included in the diet of children of different ages.

First you need to figure out what kind of baby food is [3]. Products for toddlers can be divided into two categories:

Milk formulas. There are for children from birth to six months (formula 1 mixtures, or initial), from six months to a year (formula 2) and from a year (formula 3). The composition of such baby food is adapted, that is, as close as possible to the composition of breast milk.

• In the initial mixtures, the amount of protein is reduced to 1. 2-1.5 g / 100 ml – in accordance with the composition of breast milk. They also changed the fat and mineral profile. The initial mixtures are enriched with such an essential amino acid as taurine, and micronutrients, probiotics, vitamins.
• After six months, the baby’s need for protein increases, mother’s milk changes its composition. And babies on artificial feeding begin to be fed with a more nutritious mixture of formula 2. Taurine is no longer always needed: the body of a baby aged from six months to a year is able to synthesize this amino acid itself. Meanwhile, the content of iron, calcium, zinc increases compared to the initial mixtures, because by this age the child’s reserves of minerals received from the mother during pregnancy are depleted, and they need to be replenished.
• A child’s diet changes after one year – he is already able to eat a variety of solid foods. However, it is advisable to continue to feed him with a mixture, though already formula 3. Pediatricians recommend it as a source of vitamins and minerals that the baby can easily absorb.

Complementary foods As we have already noted, it is introduced when the baby is four to seven months old. This interval is referred to as the “critical window” and is considered optimal for initiating complementary foods for several reasons:

1. The baby needs a wider range of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. In addition, his baby’s digestive system is already ready to accept more solid and complex foods than mother’s milk or infant formula.
2. At this age, the child develops an interest in food, and it is necessary to offer him the right foods to develop his taste.
3. During this period, the risk of developing a food allergy to a new product is lower.
4. Timely introduction of complementary foods prevents the risk of micronutrient deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia.

Usually the first food is vegetable puree or monocomponent gluten-free cereals, dairy or dairy-free. Over time, cereals containing gluten, supplements from fruits and berries, and also consisting of several cereals are added. A six-month-old child can already be given several types of vegetables and cereals. Also, at about six months, they begin to give meat puree, then fruit, and from eight months – fish. A child from seven months is allowed the yolk.

From the age of 12 months, complementary foods already make up the majority of your baby’s diet. At this age, it is especially important to diversify the child’s diet: he can be given soups with small pieces of vegetables, meat, fish and cereals.

For information

During the first feeding, the child’s eating habits are laid, and it depends on the parents how correct they will be. Often, mothers introduce fruit juices into complementary foods too early. And because babies have an innate preference for sweet tastes, they can become naughty and stop eating the unsweetened foods they need, especially vegetables. Unhealthy taste habits are formed, which can later provoke obesity.
Domestic doctors are concerned about such irrational nutrition of young children – due to the wrong approach to nutrition, many babies experience a deficiency of vitamins and an excess of fast carbohydrates.

How to choose baby foods

Finding the right foods for your baby is not an easy task. Store shelves are bursting with boxes, jars and bottles, and manufacturers write on every second package that the baby will be healthy, strong and cheerful after feeding. Of course, the baby will receive the necessary substances, no matter what product his parents choose, because all the production of baby food is strictly controlled by the state. By the way, Russia has some of the most stringent requirements for the quality of baby food in the world.

However, products for children differ in their properties. It is necessary to select food so that by the end of the first year of life the baby has actively developed chewing skills and an interest in independence, and the diet of complementary foods is reasonably varied.

For children from one to three years of age, the diet should be even more varied. It is important that the child receives daily something new from the main food groups: dairy, vegetables and fruits, meat and fish, cereals, butter and vegetable oil. Of course, the baby’s diet should be expanded taking into account his state of health.

When organizing the nutrition of a child from the moment of introduction of complementary foods and up to three years, a mother needs not only to know what can be fed, but also to consider what foods should not be included in the diet. Among the prohibited products for children under three years of age:

• any mushrooms, vegetables and fruits in a marinade;
• pickles, preserves in tomato sauce;
• commercial juice concentrates, carbonated drinks, coffee and strong tea;
• various condiments – mustard, ketchup, hot sauces, horseradish, pepper, vinegar, mayonnaise;
• products containing flavors, industrial colors, including chewing gum;
• margarine and refractory fats – lamb, pork;
• chocolates, sweets and other sweets.

To choose the right baby food, you need to know exactly what you should pay attention to and what you don’t need to worry about.

When choosing mixtures, it is important to check:

• Absence of palm oil. Formula manufacturers may use palm oil (more specifically palm oil extract) because, like breast milk, it is rich in palmitic acid. However, in human milk, palmitic acid is in the beta position, while in palm oil it is in the alpha position. Such alpha-palmitic acid can interfere with the absorption of calcium and fats and is generally less well absorbed by the child’s body. This can negatively affect the work of the intestines, lead to constipation, regurgitation. Milk fat is better suited for baby food as a source of palmitic acid[4][5].
• Protein ratio. Human milk protein is primarily whey proteins and casein. A child needs both types of protein, while proteins are easily digested, which cannot be said about casein. If baby food contains a lot of casein, it stays longer in the digestive tract, which can cause problems with the baby’s stool.
• The presence of additional functional elements in the composition – lutein, nucleotides, pre- and probiotics. The task of lutein is to protect vision from ultraviolet rays. Nucleotides are low molecular weight compounds that promote the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria in the intestines. And pre- and probiotics in the composition of infant formulas help to establish comfortable digestion.

When choosing complementary foods, pay attention to:

• Age appropriate. It is important that in the diet of a child under three years old who receives complementary foods, special children’s products prevail – in their composition the components are selected taking into account the age-related needs of the baby’s body. It is impossible at an early age to transfer children to “adult” foods like pickles, smoked foods, fast food, and so on.
• Fortified foods. It is important that the composition contains vitamins and minerals. The National Child Nutrition Optimization Program recommends choosing complementary foods that contain elements designed to prevent anemia, rickets, and vitamin deficiencies.
• Diet diversity. The menu for a baby up to six months is quite monotonous. But as they grow older, the baby needs more various nutrients – proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals.
• To the individual reaction of the baby. If the child is already receiving complementary foods, then it is worth introducing a new product only after the previous one has been fully introduced. If the baby is allergic to the product, then it should be administered carefully, carefully checking the reaction of the body.

Ingredient safety testing is optional. Of course, the content of any “chemistry” in the product for feeding a child, whether it be a mixture or complementary foods, is unacceptable. There is no need to worry about this: baby food is carefully checked. If it is registered on the territory of the Customs Union and hit the shelves, then it complies with SanPiN 2. 3.2.1940-05 and there will be no “prohibited” components in its composition. Also, contrary to popular misconception, in Russia it is forbidden to use GMOs in children’s products.

Note

Baby food in jars (usually puree) has a short shelf life after opening, as it does not contain preservatives. However, before the jar is opened, the products can stand for quite a long time on the shelves of stores or in the refrigerator at home. This is possible thanks to a special production technology, sterilization and vacuum packaging. If a soft pop is heard when opening the jar, this is a good sign: the puree is not spoiled. But products in jars with swollen lids or a protruding bottom should not be used: microorganisms already multiply in such food, it is not suitable for food.

Features of the choice of dairy products

It is necessary to choose dairy products for babies, following the doctor’s recommendations. The specialist will take into account the health of the baby, especially if he is allergic to cow protein. In Russia, such an allergy occurs in 30–40% of children [6]. Such a reaction may occur due to hereditary predisposition and immaturity of the body. But most often, allergies go away when the child grows up.

Goat milk baby food may be a suitable option for young children with a predisposition to allergies. Its protein is perceived by the body better than cow’s: alpha-s1-casein, contained in large quantities in cow’s milk, makes a product based on it difficult to digest – food stagnates in the baby’s gastrointestinal tract, motor skills are disturbed, as a result, allergies often occur. In goat milk, as in breast milk, there is practically no alpha-s1-casein [7]. Therefore, goat’s milk, and hence the mixture based on it, are better absorbed.

Of course, with the introduction of complementary foods, other dairy products will appear in the baby’s diet. Unadapted fermented milk drinks, such as kefir, yogurt, biolact, can be introduced into the diet from eight months and in an amount not exceeding 200 ml. Also during this period, it is recommended to give cottage cheese – no more than 50 g per day, but according to indications, it can also be prescribed from the age of six months. Whole milk cannot be used as the main food, and it is advised to introduce it into the diet of babies no earlier than a year (in the amount of 100-150 ml per day) [8]. As mentioned above, it must be adapted infant milk or formula 3 formula.

To choose the best baby food, it is necessary to take into account the health of the baby, his tastes, as well as individual reactions of the body. Therefore, before going to the store, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will not only tell you which baby food to choose, but also give recommendations on how to make the child’s diet balanced and healthy.

Child nutrition at 11 months – diet, menu, routine. What to feed a baby at 11 months?

Closer to the year, children are already becoming more energetic and inquisitive. At this age, they are already wielding teeth and the child’s nutrition at 11 months becomes more diverse. Moms can already be more free in their choice of dishes. The menu is approaching the norm of “adult” food, but it is still too early to transfer the baby to the common table.

What to feed a baby at 11 months?

Both natural and artificial feeding are still included in the baby’s diet at 11 months, but these sessions are getting shorter and shorter. At the end of the year, the baby’s menu is already so diverse that the still unexplored natural foods of children at 11 months fit into a short list. Basically, these are allergic provocateurs:

• nuts;
• certain seafood;
• honey;
• exotic fruits.

The list of permitted is much longer:

• cereals;
• meat and fish products;
• fruits and vegetables;
• fermented milk products.

Breastfeeding at 11 months

By the age of one, babies already have an extensive diet. However, experts say that there is no need to stop breastfeeding at 11 months, but it is better to extend the process until the baby reaches the age of two years. The best way to prolong a baby’s natural feeding at 11 months is to breastfeed more often to stimulate milk production.

Complementary foods at 11 months

The range of products that can be fed to a child at 11 months is expanding significantly day by day. The kid has already managed to try a lot, and now the combination of ingredients and the serving size are only changing. In one go, crumbs can be offered porridge, egg yolk and even a fruit dessert – mashed potatoes. The nutrition of a child at 11 months is required to be balanced and varied. At this stage, new foods may appear in the diet. If you haven’t started giving your baby fish yet, now is the time. Norm of the day – no more than 50 g of fish puree from lean varieties:

• river perch;
• zander;
• saithe;
• hake;
• walleye pollock;
• haddock.

How to properly feed an 11 month old baby?

One of the most pressing questions is how much food should a child receive at 11 months?

Pediatricians advise limiting one-time food intake as follows:

1. Infant formula should be given no more than 200 ml per feeding.
2. It is better to reduce the portion of porridge to 150 g.
3. If you offer yogurt to your child, then it should not be given more than 150 ml.
4. Cottage cheese is enough for 50 g in one sitting.
5. Meat puree can already be given more – up to 60 g.
6. Shredded fish fillets can make a 40g serving.
7. When offering an egg, it is better to refrain from protein, but the yolk, introduced into complementary foods from 7-9 months, remains in the standard portion – ½ part per feeding.
8. Fruit puree can be given 100 g and vegetable puree up to 200 g.

11-month-old baby’s diet

Every mother knows how many times to feed her 11-month-old baby. Five meals a day is stored from six months and for life. However, the time of the meal in the children of “larks” and “owls” may vary. The diet at 11 months is calculated taking into account the time the child wakes up and goes to bed.

Early risers:

• 6:00 am – 7:00 am – Women’s milk replacer or breastfeeding on waking;
• 9:00-10:00 – full breakfast;
• 13:00 – 13:30 – hearty lunch;
• 16:30 – 17:30 – dinner;
• 20:00 – 21:00 – Women’s milk replacer or breastfeeding before bed.

Owl babies:

• 9:00 a.m. – Women’s milk replacer or breastfeeding on waking;
• 11:00 – 12:00 – hearty breakfast;
• 15:00 – 15:40 – a full meal;
• 18:30 – 19:30 – protein-carbohydrate dinner;
• 21:30 – 22:00 – Women’s milk replacer or breastfeeding before bed.

Nutrition for a child at 11 months – menu

Regardless of the fact that the menu for a growing baby at 11 months will have an extensive menu, nevertheless, such children’s cooking has multiple rules and restrictions:

1. Mode – five meals a day, where the first and the second meal is milk and formula.
2. Ban on fried and fatty foods. Preference should be given to steam processing.
3. Restriction on sweets and salt.
4. No need to grind food to a puree. You can just cut the ingredients into small pieces.
5. Allergic ingredients are strictly prohibited from appearing on the baby’s table.
6. The introduction of new products should be carried out gradually, starting with minimum doses of ½ teaspoon.
7. Drinking regime must be observed strictly. Pure water, in addition to juices, must be present.

11 month old baby’s diet on day

When compiling the baby’s menu, it is worth remembering that the diet at 11 months must necessarily meet all pediatric prescriptions. The norm for children of this age is 1000 – 1200 kcal per day at the rate of 115 kcal per kg of the child’s weight. BJU in this case can be found out according to the schemes:

• proteins – 3.5 g x per child’s weight in kg;
• fats – 5.3 g x per child’s weight in kg;
• carbohydrates – 13 g x per child’s weight in kg.

For five meals, the child should receive the BJU and calories in full. Here we must not forget about vitamins and minerals, so that all products must be introduced into the diet. Sample menu for a child for a day at 950-1000 kcal will look like this:

1. First feeding: breast milk or SFM (200 g) – 130-140 kcal.

2. Breakfast:

• oatmeal porridge with milk (150 g) – 153 kcal;
• egg yolk (8-10 g) – 35 kcal;
• children’s cookies (10-15 g) – 40-60 kcal;
• pear puree (50 g) – 25-27 kcal.

3. Lunch:

• vegetable marrow stew with potatoes and cauliflower (100 g) – 36 kcal;
• veal meatballs with zucchini and steamed rice (50 g) – 57 kcal;
• a slice of white bread (8-12 g) – 27 kcal;
• sweet biocurd “Theme” (40 g) – 45 kcal;
• banana (40 g) – 39 kcal.

4. Dinner:

• cottage cheese casserole with semolina (50 g) – 70-80 kcal;
• kefir 2.5% (150 ml) – 70-75 kcal;
• apple puree (50 g) – 41 kcal;

5. Last feeding: mother’s milk or its substitute (200 g) – 130 – 140 kcal.

Cottage cheese casserole

Ingredients:

• low-fat cottage cheese – 180-220 g;
• semolina – 1 tbsp. a spoon;
• fresh egg – 1 pc.;
• granulated sugar – 20 g.

Preparation

1. Pour semolina with warm water for 1 hour to swell.
2. Grind cottage cheese through a fine mesh sieve.
3. Beat the egg with sugar and combine with cottage cheese and semolina.
4. Pour the resulting mass into cake molds and bake for half an hour at 170°C.

Baby 11 months – food for a week

Wholesome nutrition for a baby at 11 months The menu should be balanced and not monotonous so that the child does not go in cycles in a certain type of porridge or puree from one vegetable. So that the dishes are not repeated, you can make a diet table for the whole week. To do this, it is better to study the recipes in advance and draw up the optimal menu.

Child’s menu on IV at 11 months

With unnatural feeding, the nutrition of a baby at 11 months will not differ dramatically from that of an infant only in the first and final feeding. The break between meals is normally 3-4 hours:

1. 6:00. Baby food for an 11 month old baby is the first breakfast. 200 ml of the mixture is enough to satisfy the hunger of the crumbs after sleep.
2. 9:30-10:00. For an afternoon snack, it is best to offer a child 150 g of porridge with butter (5 g). Dessert – 50 g banana.
3. 13:00-14:00. For lunch, it is wiser to cook vegetable soup with lean veal broth (150 g), squash, pumpkin or cabbage puree (80 g) and give 10 g of white bread.
4. 17:00-18:00. Cottage cheese (50 g), 2-3 pieces of Heinz cookies and a glass of kefir are ideal for dinner.
5. 21:00-22:00. Before going to bed, the child must be fed with milk formula in a volume of 200-210 ml.

Vegetable soup

Ingredients

• beef broth – 400 ml;
• salt – 1 pinch;
• potatoes – 1 tuber;
• carrots – ½ piece;
• zucchini – 100 g;
• cauliflower – 80 g.

Preparation

1. We clean and chop all the vegetables into small cubes, and sort the cabbage into small inflorescences.
2. Put all the vegetables into the boiling broth and cook the soup over medium heat for 20 minutes.
3. At the end of cooking, the dish should be slightly salted.

Breastfeeding baby’s menu at 11 months

Feeding a baby at 11 months on an artificial substitute for mother’s milk is not much different from the diet of a naturalist. The difference is only in the morning and night feeding, when the baby receives natural mother’s milk:

1. 6:00 – breastfeeding.
2. 9:30-10:00 – a hearty breakfast with porridge (150 g), several children’s livers (10 g), a piece of “Peasant” butter (5 g) and half the yolk.
3. 12:30-13:30 – for lunch, you can offer your baby fish (40 g) or steamed meatballs (60 g), and finely chopped or squeezed boiled vegetables (100 g) as a side dish. For dessert, fruit juice in a volume of 10 ml.
4. 17:00-18:30 – dinner is better to make protein or carbohydrate. Cottage cheese casserole (50 g) or porridge (150 g) will perfectly satisfy the baby’s hunger before evening feeding.
5. 21:00-22:00 – breastfeeding.

Steam cutlets

Ingredients:

• turkey meat – 120 g;
• salt – 1 pinch;
• zucchini – 35 g;
• turnip onion – 15 g.

Preparation

1. Grind the fillet with vegetables in a blender until creamy and add a little salt.
2. We form small cutlets and put them in a double boiler.
3. Steam meatballs should be cooked for 20 minutes.

The menu of an allergic child at 11 months

Mothers of allergic children often ask themselves what to feed their child at 11 months, how to diversify the menu and how to introduce complementary foods. The most important thing is to exclude all allergens from the diet, and expand the diet gradually and strictly for one product.